But as faithful as those films are, they barely scratch the surface of what it really takes to get close to a storm, let alone capture it on camera. So, what is it actually like to be a storm chaser?

To find out, Artlist partnered with a team of creators willing to dive straight into the chaos. Veteran storm chasers Krystle Wright and Nick Moir led the charge — two of the most respected severe weather photographers working today, with decades of experience capturing extreme environments. Alongside them were travel filmmakers Josh Guvi and Christopher Balladarez, documenting the journey not just from a distance, but right inside the action.

Their mission? To chase down real-life tornadoes across Tornado Alley and bring back footage that shows storms like you’ve never seen them before — raw, emotional, and impossibly close. Footage that lives exclusively in the Artlist catalog.

Tornado Alley

“While adrenaline is part of the appeal of storm chasing, what I find truly fascinating is the organisation and structure of these storms, especially in Tornado Alley in the United States. So this year, we began our chase in Texas and were onto a tornado-warned storm within a couple of hours of getting off the plane,” Nick tells us. “We chased across Texas, Arkansas, into Mississippi, and then back through Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado.” 

The team was right in the midst of Tornado Alley, a unique place that sees some of the highest tornado activity in the world. This is where warm, moist air from the Gulf collides with cold, dry air from the Rockies. This unique mix of geography and weather patterns creates the perfect conditions for powerful supercell storms and frequent tornadoes. There’s no better place to capture storm footage.

Nick’s mission was clear from the start. “My specific role was to get Krystle and the team into a good position to capture the structure of the storms and the severe weather they produce, including tornadoes.” Using his decades of experience, which includes covering major events such as the 2001 “Black Christmas” bushfire event in Australia and the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, Nick was able to determine where storms were likely to form, how they might move, and what hazards they might bring. He’s no stranger to capturing natural disaster footage. “When chasing a particular storm, I also study the radar in detail. Supercell storms have specific radar signatures that indicate where a tornado might be embedded, allowing you to position yourself relatively safely, even quite close.”

No matter how experienced Nick is, Mother Nature is an unpredictable beast, as the team soon found out. Creator Josh Guvi reflects that “the hardest part is how quickly things change. There was a moment where we were set up in a great spot, waiting for a potential tornado to drop — everything looked good, we were calm, cameras ready. And then out of nowhere, the whole storm shifted and moved straight over us. Our position went from safe to dangerous in seconds. We had to pack up and get out immediately. It was a reminder that nature doesn’t care about your plan. You’ve got to stay alert and be ready to move, fast.”

Picking the right gear

This unpredictable nature massively influenced the gear the team could use. For Josh, he “packed gear that could handle rough conditions and move fast. I used a mix of handheld and gimbal setups, but kept everything light and quick to set up. The goal was to stay flexible because once things start happening, you’ve only got seconds to react.”

Meanwhile, for seasoned storm chaser and photographer Krystle, her many years in the field have helped fine-tune and streamline her setup. “My go-to setup is the Leica SL3 with a 24-90mm. A huge factor in why I choose Leica is its unique colour profile and rendering that complements how I love to document the world around me. The 24-90mm is such a versatile lens that it covers 95% of what I want to shoot. It’s pretty rare that I need to use a telephoto lens. Many years ago, my camera kit had grown so much that it felt like it had become a burden. I switched to Leica and stripped my kit back to the absolute essentials, so that the camera felt like a joy again and my back was far happier with less weight to carry.”

For cinematographer Christopher Balladarez, the weather was the main consideration. “Thankfully, Canon has some really good weather sealing on their bodies! I went with the Canon C80, the Canon R5c, and some zoom lenses. You would think that if you’re storm chasing, you’ll be in a lot of rain, but chances are, if you’re in rain, you’re not going to get a good shot. Storm chasers like Nick and Krystle chase to capture beautiful images and try to get into a position close enough for a great shot, but far enough from getting smacked by 4-inch hail!” 

The challenge of documenting storms

While 4-inch hail sounds pretty threatening, Nick assures us that “you might think the greatest hazards while storm chasing are tornadoes, hail, or lightning — but by far the biggest danger is fatigue, and the driving — either by you or others on the road, especially in poor conditions.”

Krystle agrees. “Storm chasing is hard work and a stroke of luck! We spend so many hours on the road, and there’s numerous factors to navigate every chase — cell service, road network, fuel stations, other drivers, other chasers, interpreting forecasts, weather radar, and then of course the spontaneity of Mother Nature. Other drivers, whether they are chasers or not, are probably one of the most terrifying unknowns to encounter, as I’ve seen some strange behaviour, including drivers crossing over the ditch to start driving up the wrong way on the interstate in the midst of a storm.”

The team certainly spent a lot of time on the road, Chris tells us. “We drove through, like, five states. In the middle of America there aren’t that many healthy places to eat, so that was a challenge…it was at least a 4-5 hour drive to get to our target area for the next day, so that means getting to our hotels super late, dumping footage and then waking up extremely early to get back on the road. It’s a lot on the body and mind, but everyone was extremely good company, so it made it really smooth.”

“I’ll admit I can get a little grumpy after several thousand miles and not much sleep,” laughs Nick. He goes on to explain how having a great team is essential — “This was Krystle Wright’s fourth U.S. chase with me, and we’ve become a highly effective team. It takes a rare kind of determination to get the best possible photo or video in these situations, and very few people have that level of commitment.”

Getting the shot

That’s why Artlist picked this crew of four, because they were so committed to that goal of getting the best possible photos or videos. Josh reminisces on his favourite moment: “When we got our first tornado, I knew right away I didn’t want to just focus on the tornado itself — I wanted to focus on Krystle and her reaction to it. It was a rushed, hectic moment, everything moving fast, but I made one decision: whatever happened, I wasn’t going to stop rolling. We jumped out of the car, and I followed her as she ran toward the tornado — her reaction was so raw, so real. That kind of emotion, with this massive tornado towering in the background… You almost never catch something that honest on camera. It was wild — and it felt like the moment.”

Chris enthuses, “I’ve learned that when situations like that happen, you just have to roll everything and don’t stop recording, because you never know what’s going to happen. I can’t wait for that footage to come out!”

For Krystal, there was another moment that really stood out. “We could sense the possibility of positioning ourselves for some mammatus clouds at sunset and started driving north on a lonely road that weaved through barren desert hills. Mile by mile, we edge our way out of the dull grey of the storm behind us, and in the distance, the mammatus were beginning to emerge. By the time we decide to commit to a location, I remember stepping out of the vehicle and immediately being entranced as in one direction, the mammatus clouds are changing from golds to pinks, and in the other, the most impressive godlike rays are streaming through the clouds. I like to celebrate those moments just as much as the intense storm chasing moments… It’s all magic to me!”

Navigating the fear factor

Naturally, when up close and personal with such immense, destructive forces, fear comes into play. How could a storm chaser or filmmaker ever hope to stay calm while trying to capture such destructive storm footage?

Krystle does her best to unpick this complicated facet of the craft. “Fear is an asset that keeps me alive. If there is ever a situation that I don’t feel good about, even if I can’t articulate or reason why, I still carry enough faith to trust those gut instincts. In my first season of storm chasing, I was absolutely out of my comfort zone as everything was new to me. But each season I return to storm chasing, I continue to build up more experience, more knowledge, and familiarity so that I can make the right decisions, especially when we are in the thick of the action.” 

It’s about experience, she emphasises. “I can assure you that the adrenaline still pumps every storm chase, but perhaps with experience, the adrenaline evolves to a point where it’s more controlled and attuned to seeking out specific aspects of storm chasing.”

For Josh, it was a case of “you don’t really think — you just do. You fall back on muscle memory and trust your team. We knew our roles, kept it simple, and stayed focused. You don’t get fancy out there — you just stay steady and keep rolling.” 

With new learnings and experiences, he offers advice to other creators chasing epic moments like this…“Be patient, be safe, and be ready for anything. These moments are unpredictable — they don’t wait for you to get set up. But beyond just chasing something incredible, try to give it meaning. Context matters. Humanize what you’re seeing. Try to capture the emotion you felt in that moment, because that’s what people connect to. That’s what stays with them.”

And Chris chimes in, reminding us all to “not go alone and inexperienced. A lot of injuries and deaths have happened like that. Go with someone who does have some time chasing. You’d be surprised how many chasers will welcome you with open arms and show you the path. Learn forecasting, learn meteorology, and get into the community. It’s all about safety.”

Why chase storms

For seasoned pros like Krystle and Nick, safety has always been paramount. And it’s clear to see that there’s an alluring, addictive nature to this craft. “People chase storms for many reasons,” Nick theorises. “For some, it’s scientific, gathering data to better understand tornado formation and improve global warning systems. Others chase specifically to provide ground-truth reports, confirming radar signatures and helping issue timely warnings. Many tornado warnings have actually originated from chaser reports.”

For Nick, he feels it’s all of those things combined, and perhaps something more. “It’s like why surfers surf, or why people jump out of planes. All the noise and nonsense of everyday life vanishes, and your focus becomes razor-sharp. It’s liberating. And to see the excitement, joy, and elation on the faces of those I take with me — that’s immensely gratifying.”

“Imagine a day where it starts like any other day, bluebird sky with not a cloud to see anywhere,” describes Krystle. “Around lunch time, there are small clouds forming, but it’s hard to fathom that within a couple of hours, the entire sky can turn so dark and black that you’d mistake 3pm as if it were nighttime. The monsters that roll through the big open skies of the Midwest attract storm chasers from all over the world every spring because of this power, and it’s humbling to see every time.”

In the catalog

What this crew captured was the result of experience, instinct, and the kind of risk-taking that most of us would rightly fear. Shot on the road, in the chaos, and sometimes just 300 yards from a tornado, this is the real deal: authentic footage from inside real-life storms, captured exclusively for Artlist. It’s raw, it’s emotional, and it’s available now — only on Artlist. Whether you’re building an ad, a trailer, or a cinematic short, this is the kind of hurricane storm footage that turns heads and holds attention. Thanks to our team of storm chasers and creators, you can now create eye-catching videos with footage you can’t find anywhere else. Whether it’s capturing the sounds of Iceland or documenting the island slipping beneath the ocean, Artlist goes to extremes to bring you world-class footage — no matter how wild the weather gets.

הפוסט Storm Chasers: How Artlist captured epic tornado footage הופיע לראשונה ב-Artlist Blog.

What is storyboarding?

Storyboarding is a visual plan for your video that consists of a sequence of drawings or images that illustrate how each scene will appear. It helps you organize ideas, decide on camera angles and pacing, and communicate your vision to your team or clients. 

Why storyboarding matters (more than ever)

A strong storyboard helps you plan shots, sell ideas, secure funding, and get everyone excited about your project.

As competition grows and audiences expect polished content, a clear storyboard can mean the difference between your video getting made or your pitch being overlooked. When clients can see your ideas visualized early, it’s easier for them to sign off on milestones, reducing back-and-forth and preventing costly reshoots.

Storyboards turn ideas into clear visuals that keep everyone on the same page, making video production run more smoothly. Planning with a storyboard reduces costly mistakes on set and ensures your team understands exactly what they’re creating before you start filming. By mapping out the pacing, you can meet audiences’ expectations for faster, sharper content. Early storyboards also help you establish tone and mood so you can experiment with the creative direction and find the best way to tell your story.

Real-world examples of AI storyboarding

Seeing AI storyboarding in action demonstrates the immense power of these tools for both creators and clients.

Commercials created with Artlist AI

Brands and agencies are already using Artlist’s AI tools to storyboard and produce commercials with impressive results. By turning ideas into visuals quickly, they’re able to pitch concepts, refine details, and deliver polished videos faster. Clients appreciate seeing clear storyboards upfront, which enables them to approve concepts sooner and avoid costly rework. 

Artlist’s most recent campaign is a surreal, playful blend of sport and food, featuring tiny plastic-like figures diving into jelly, skating on martini ice cubes, and scaling popcorn mountains. This whimsical world turns everyday snacks into epic arenas, blending abstract visuals with a sense of fun and imagination.

Learn how the Artlist team created a series of AI promotional videos, from storyboarding to editing.

Creators using AI tools in filmmaking

AI tools are making it easier than ever for filmmakers to plan and visualize projects with clarity. By generating detailed images with AI prompts, creators can create storyboards without drawing skills. The animate button adds motion to still frames, giving a sense of pacing and camera movement right from the start. This helps pitch ideas to investors with strong visuals that are easy to understand, resulting in a smoother production process.

Youtuber Matt Johnson often uses Artlist AI to help storyboard his client and creative projects. In his AI Filmmaking Tools video, Matt takes his fans through how he builds his storyboards, pitches them with confidence, and turns them into engaging video content. 

Instead of starting from scratch, he types a short description in the prompt box to get AI-generated visuals of his ideas. With the help of Artlist’s AI-powered Artboard, Matt pulls this together with relevant music, stock footage, templates, and sound effects. He curates everything into a visual storyboard that helps clients instantly understand the look and feel of the project.

How AI storyboarding helps creators, brands, and agencies

AI-powered tools are designed to support creators — not replace them — by speeding up storyboarding and making it more accessible. They let creative people spend more time on storytelling instead of tedious tasks, helping you and your clients stay focused on what matters: bringing great ideas to life.

Visualize without drawing skills

AI storyboarding lets you create detailed visuals even if you can’t draw. These tools handle the technical work, freeing you to focus on shaping your vision and sharing it clearly. Clients benefit from seeing high-quality visuals early, which helps them more readily buy into the concept.

Pitch ideas with impact

AI-generated images and animated clips help you create professional storyboards that strengthen your pitch. By taking care of technical details, AI tools enable you to craft narratives that win over investors and provide them with a clear, compelling overview of your plan.

Collaborate across languages and cultures

When working with global clients or remote teams, communication can become a barrier. Many AI tools now include translation features and voiceover options in multiple languages, making it easier to share storyboards that everyone can understand, regardless of location or language.

Keep visuals on-brand from the start

Maintaining a consistent look across a storyboard is key to brand recognition. AI makes it simple to apply brand colors, logos, and visual styles throughout your project — ensuring that your presentation is polished, professional, and aligned with your client’s identity from the very beginning.

Simplify client feedback

Clients don’t always have a creative background, which can make feedback vague or unclear. With clear, AI-generated visuals, your ideas become easier to understand, allowing clients to give more focused, helpful input and reducing the number of revisions needed.

Fast, creative, and ready to go with Artlist AI

AI-assisted storyboarding is revolutionizing the way creators, teams, and clients collaborate. It speeds up your workflow, frees you to focus on storytelling, and makes milestone sign-offs easier by giving your clients clear, engaging visuals from the start. Whether you’re a solo filmmaker, part of a remote group, or working at an agency, AI tools help you turn concepts into polished pitches in hours, not weeks.

Start your next storyboard with Artlist’s AI-powered platform and see how inspiring and straightforward pre-production can be. AI isn’t just changing storyboarding; it’s reshaping the entire creative process. Explore Artlist’s AI tools today and unlock new possibilities for your videos and client collaborations.

הפוסט Storyboarding with AI for video creators  הופיע לראשונה ב-Artlist Blog.

On 31 July 2025, Amazon Prime released a four-part docuseries that follows Torsten Gross on his relentless mission to compete against the world’s most elite race car drivers. Torsten is quadriplegic, having broken his neck in an accident when he was 15.

Just Hands: For the Love of Racing is a story of human resilience, determination, and defiance. And we’re proud to say that Artlist plays a leading role — because every sound effect and composition you hear in this series comes straight from our catalog. 

In this article, we’ll hear more from the team at Sonic Gods, the production studio behind the Just Hands documentary series, and find out how they utilized Artlist in both pre- and post-production to enhance storytelling, mood, and build tension and emotion.

Who are Sonic Gods?

Sonic Gods is an entertainment studio that merges production, digital, and brand content to create unscripted TV formats and community-driven storytelling that reaches and inspires global audiences. Their team has decades of experience in the film and TV industry, and their long-form content focuses on sports, business, and lifestyle.

Just Hands: For the Love of Racing

This four-part documentary series shares Torsten Gross’s journey to compete amongst some of the best race car drivers on the planet. Torsten, who is paralyzed from the neck down, has spent most of his life in a wheelchair. But that hasn’t stopped him from pursuing his dreams. 

“There are very few sports that make us equal to everybody,” says Torsten. “I’ll never compete against able-bodied people, but with car racing I can.” 

In this series, we learn all about Torsten’s entry into motorsports after his wife surprised him with a track day for their wedding anniversary. After that, he was hooked, partly thanks to his adrenaline-loving nature as well as the sense of empowerment he felt behind the wheel. 

That’s when he decided to share this newfound gift with the rest of his community, co-founding Just Hands Foundation, an organization that opens doors for disabled athletes to compete in motorsports with the rest of the world. Their main focus is performance driving and adaptive mountain biking through workshops, courses, and excursions. 

The Just Hands docuseries tells Torsten’s story and his journey to the top, with the hope to inspire disabled athletes across the globe to compete on the world stage. “It’s about breaking barriers, exceeding limits, chasing after your dreams and the things that set your heart on fire,” says Michelle Delamore, executive producer on the show. 

Artlist for TV production

When Sonic Gods joined forces with Amazon Prime to create the Just Hands documentary series, they turned to Artlist for the soundtrack. With storytelling this raw and real, sound design is essential, so every wheel skid, gear change, and brake squeal was crafted using sound effects from Artlist’s catalog, and the music was hand-picked to elevate emotion and amp up the energy.

High-quality SFX and music help set the mood, build tension, and bring high-energy scenes to life. Our catalog helps the audience connect with Torsten’s journey and bring the documentary visuals to life.

These days, TV production involves creating a massive range of content across multiple platforms. To promote one production, companies need to create content for streaming services, social media, behind-the-scenes clips, promos, and more. To keep up with such a fast-paced production line, companies need speed, consistency, high-quality output, and tools that help speed up workflow, all without compromising on creativity.

Artlist helps production houses take on these challenges thanks to our vast library of royalty-free music, sound effects, and video assets, ideal for sound designers. Editors can quickly find the right sound or visual with an easy search, meaning they can stay on schedule and maintain a cohesive tone across the board.

How Sonic Gods Studios utilized Artlist

The team at Sonic Gods Studios says that Artlist helped them every step of the way, from pre-production visualization to post-production finishing touches. They even used Artlist to create audio storyboards to help them set the mood and tone for each episode.

Pre-production

Ian Hotchkiss is the director of Just Hands: For the Love of Racing, and says their goal is to get their audience emotionally invested in the story they tell.

“We want to create the best TV shows possible, not just for our audience, but for ourselves,” Ian says. “You can capture these wonderful stories, and edit them together, and if you can’t get those last assets — the music and SFX that make a scene — then you don’t achieve what you want.”

Ian says that Artlist’s musical catalog came in handy to build the foundations for each scene. “Usually when constructing a scene, I like to find a song first,” he says. “In Just Hands, we kept to a similar genre for each episode, so I could easily source the perfect track to instantly bring a scene together.”

As the director, Ian was thinking about music from the beginning. “Music is definitely in talks at pre-production,” he says. “When we’re creating a series, we discuss the mood, the vibe, the tone we want to set. So we go on Artlist, create sonic art boards of the type of music we want for this piece, and start thinking about which songs will help us tell our story.”

Greg McKarus was the editor on this project, and says that Artlist saved him time every step of the way. “Artlist allowed us to focus on the narrative,” says Greg. “I love using their AI search, so I can find the exact mood or feeling or a certain instrument, and then have a plethora of options to choose from.” 

This helped the team set themes for each episode, and guided the mood and flow of the series.

Post-production

Streamlining post-production was a high priority when making the Just Hands docuseries, because they were up against tight deadlines and had a huge amount of footage to sort through.

Michelle Delamor can attest to this. As the co-founder of Sonic Gods and the executive producer on Just Hands, she says Artlist helps navigate huge workloads. “We create so much content,” she explains. “There’s the show itself, then all of the promotional assets, and trailers. There’s a high volume, so we must maintain the quality. Having a tool like Artlist allows us to do that; there’s so much high-quality music at our fingertips that allows us to move with speed while maintaining the integrity of the project.”

Michelle says that when it comes to filming TV, efficiency is everything, so having Artlist to streamline post-production was a game-changer for the team.

Music

“Music is such an important part of creating an emotional connection with the audience,” Ian says. “We use music and sound design to bring our scenes to life.”

Tracks like Jameson Nathan Jones’ “Grounded” helped create that cinematic, big-screen energy in the high-pressure moments, while Amir Marcus and Stephan Fischer’s piano-led track “Awaken” helps share the freedom Torsten feels when he’s racing.

Every episode has a theme and a genre. For example, the team built tension in episode two through orchestral cinematic music, and when they filmed at night in Daytona on episode 3, they leaned into synthy, atmospheric tracks. 

“Before Artlist, finding those high-quality assets was very challenging,” says Ian. “You’d have to source through a lot of different types of media libraries, which took a lot of time, and maybe you don’t find the asset you want, so you settle.”

Greg says that Artlist’s music library didn’t just save time and streamline post-production, but elevated all the content they created.

“Music was very important to Just Hands because each episode had a theme,” he says. “We used a lot of orchestra and strings to accentuate the high quality of the cars. So a lot of the music we used through Artlist’s library was designed to immerse the audience in Torsten’s world.”

Ultimately, Artlist’s musical catalog saved Greg dozens of editing hours. “It allowed us to create a special and unique show that will affect millions of lives,” he says. “I feel proud of the show.”

SFX

Ian says that to cut through the noise, you need to have a story that’s engaging, entertaining, and emotive, and sound effects are one of the best ways to capture an audience and keep them hooked. While Ian was filming with Torsten, he found that every race, every track, and every behind-the-scenes clip had a different energy, and the best way to convey that on the screen was through sound effects.

The team used Artboards to build their design template, referring back to it throughout the project to ensure consistency and streamline the process. 

“We wanted the audience to go into each episode feeling like they were watching something they’d never seen before,” Ian explains. “So we leaned into creating these soundscapes through music and sound effects to allow the audience to follow along with Torsten’s journey.”

Episode 1, for example, is full of tension; it’s Torsten’s first time competing, and the viewer can feel it as he gets into his car and sees his competitors for the first time. “There’s sections where we don’t use music, we just use sound design,” Ian explains. We want the audience to experience what it’s like to be in a race car, so it’s the sound of the motors as the cars pass, the sound of these wrecks that happen when you’re competing.”

Why production houses and TV shows use Artlist

From mood boards to post-production, Artlist helped shape Just Hands’ emotional and cinematic impact. The music and SFX set the tone, guided editing choices, and ensured the story flowed seamlessly, bringing this team’s vision to life within tight timelines. 

“With Artlist, we had all the high-quality digital assets we needed in one place,” Ian says. “High-quality sound effects, music, and even graphic templates for the promotional content we do around our shows.”

Michelle says that partnering with Artlist helped the team create a sonic landscape for the project. “Artlist gives us high-quality music, sound design, and all the elements that bring the story to life in an impactful way,” Michelle says. “There’s a lot of layers to storytelling, and sound is one of the most important ones. It’s what creates an immersive experience, brings people into the story, and  it’s what makes a project feel cinematic and premium.”

Ultimately, Michelle hopes people will feel so inspired by Just Hands so they’ll jump off the couch and go chase after their dreams. “That’s really what this show is designed to do,” she says. “We tell stories around the pursuit of greatness. That moment when people go from ordinary to extraordinary.”

Want to see how you can do this for your business? Contact us to get your team set up with an Artlist Business Plan. 

Dive into the full collection featured in the docuseries,  including every track in the series, exclusively on Artlist.

הפוסט How Artlist powered an Amazon Prime docuseries הופיע לראשונה ב-Artlist Blog.

Recently, he sat down with Artlist to talk through his action videography journey, offering amazing insights, and some very useful advice for those wanting to become the next best extreme sports videographer. If you’re wanting to know which is the best video camera for action sports, or have designs on shooting your own extreme sports film, then this one’s for you.

From passion to career

“I started with action sports when I was 14, surfing in Rome. Before that, I was just your classic Italian kid playing football. But in the summer of 2004, I discovered surfing, and that changed everything”, he reflects. Naturally, “Surfing led to skateboarding, and then in the winter (while on family vacation in the mountains), I told my dad, ‘I don’t want to ski anymore — I want to try snowboarding.’” 

“I started organizing parties and festivals in Rome. That’s actually when I first picked up a camera — just to shoot photos and videos of the events and my friends surfing. I was maybe 15 or 16, just a kid with a camera shooting his friends.” From there, Mirko never really looked back. 

What started off as a passion and hobby has developed into an impressive career. “In 2008, I met a girl who invited me to Innsbruck (in Austria), and I’ve been based here ever since. A couple of years in, friends asked if I wanted to try longboarding. At first I thought, ‘No way,’ but as soon as I tried it, it just clicked.”

“From the beginning, I had this ambition. Ever since I was a kid I have wanted to be a pro surfer. Then I started doing downhill skating, won a slide jam, and got my first sponsor. That’s when I realized ‘ok I needed to start filming properly.’”

“After years of skating and filming, I realized — I’m a filmmaker now. Around 2019, just before COVID, I decided to focus more on filmmaking full-time. I opened my own agency and started freelancing.”

“I leveraged all those contacts I made from skateboarding…I pitched ideas to the same companies, but now I was the filmmaker. That led to projects in…snowboarding, ski resorts, bike parks, and big sports branding events like Swatch Nines and World Cup comps.”

Gear and technique

After many years of building up his experience and skillset, Mirko is now one of the most impressive action sports videographers around, with a signature style of daring stunts that are beautifully cinematic. “I always wanted a clean, cinematic look. I cared about the angles,  getting the shot from the front, understanding the side that looks best on camera…all these things matter.”

When you watch Mirko’s work, as he follows a skateboarder down the mountain at insane speeds, you really feel that speed, as well as the risk and adrenaline that comes with it. “Follow-cam work brings out the emotion and momentum of a moment in a way a static shot never can. It’s more dynamic, more real,” he explains enthusiastically. 

For Mirko, there’s no single best camera for sports videography. At the moment, to capture these unbelievable shots, his go-to gear is the “Sony A7S III with a 12-24mm wide lens for cinematic work. For the follow cams, no gimbals — I just use the camera handheld.” While the Sony is more about the precision and cinematic look, he also makes use of GoPros and action cameras — “I go crazy, get in close, shoot fast.”

Of course, to achieve these risky shots, there has to be a high level of communication and understanding between the rider and the filmmaker. “Extreme sports filmmaking is different. You need to know your riders, and they need to know you. It’s all about trust and understanding what looks good and how they’re going to move. Without that, you can’t get the shot.” 

Additionally, he adds, it’s about being comfortable with your gear, too. “Sometimes it’s about feeling and intuition. You can teach technique, but the flow of follow-cam work comes from how well you know your board and your camera.”

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Preparation matters

It’s clear that the secret to Mirko’s success lies not just in his communication and understanding with his athletes, but in his attention to the details, and the preparation and planning that goes into each sports content shoot. The weather, for example, is something he had to learn about the hard way. “Cold kills batteries, so I always tell people to keep your batteries close to your body, to keep them warm. That one tip is a game changer.” 

Another piece of advice is to “always scout your location. Coming from skating, I used to just show up and shoot, always run-and-gun style. But now I know: if you’ve scouted, you save time, avoid confusion, and lead with confidence.” 

Given the nature of the job, it doesn’t always go to plan. He references the many times he’s broken DSLRs, and it’s not just the cameras and gear at risk, either. “I’ve also broken myself – road rash, burns, lots of skin gone — because when you crash while filming downhill longboarding, you try to protect the camera by holding up. I’ve lost a lot of skin-saving gear,” he laughs. 

Despite the risks, you won’t catch him quitting anytime soon. With a tattoo that reminds you to “go big or go home”, he’s committed to his craft, continuously pushing boundaries. “It’s the people, the adrenaline, the outdoors. Action sports filming gave me so much. It shaped who I am, professionally and personally. I feel like I still have a lot to give back to this world. I’ll keep doing this as long as I can.”

Editing workflow

From location scouting in pre-production to his intuitive understanding of riders during production, Mirko’s attention to detail carries all the way through each project. It’s no surprise to learn that his post-production editing workflow is similarly well organized. “I label everything by camera, athlete, and scene. Then I watch everything again and begin to pick out the best shots — the best of Sony, best of GoPro POV — and build from there. I’ll narrow it down to the very best shots and begin editing them all together in a separate timeline.” Most of this work is carried out with Final Cut Pro, before shifting over to DaVinci Resolve for color grading.

He also makes good use of all his Artlist assets, too. “Artlist has been huge for me. I’ve used it for royalty-free music on probably 95% of my projects, and I use their light leaks, transitions, VFX, and plugins all the time. Sound effects are always very underrated but necessary, too.” In a tight squeeze, he can even make use of stock footage. “I’ve recommended Artlist to a lot of people who ask about stock footage, and they’re always really surprised about the quality of stuff that’s in there compared to what they have just been using.”

Mirko’s top three tips

Before he left, Mirko outlined his top three tips for any aspiring extreme sports filmmaker.

1. Create your own opportunities — and say yes before you feel ready

Don’t wait for brands or clients to call you. Go out, film your friends, make that passion project, and launch the idea you’ve been sitting on. Half of my career came from personal projects that no one asked for — but they got noticed. And when opportunities did come, I said yes, even when I wasn’t 100% ready. Some of the wildest jobs I’ve done started with me figuring it out on the go. Confidence doesn’t come first. You earn it by doing the thing.

2. Start with what you have and where you are

You don’t need the best gear or the perfect location to begin. Just stay focused on what you want, know your vision, and aim for it. I started by filming my friends with a GoPro, and I was called “the filmer.” I honestly like that! Focus on having fun, don’t waste time, and stay consistent. If you put in the hard work and effort and stay driven by passion, it will pay off before you even realize it. 

3. Learn to be your own one-man show

Especially at the beginning, you’ll wear all the hats: Director, DOP, editor, drone pilot, maybe even athlete. That’s a blessing in disguise. It forces you to understand every part of the process, and that’s how you learn everything. This was key to becoming who I am today and reaching the level I’m at now.

Mirko’s very own Artlist collection is available to download now. Featuring some of his best work, it includes some crazy snow jump FPV shots, and adrenaline-pumping longboard action.

הפוסט How Mirko Paoloni became one of the best extreme sports filmmakers הופיע לראשונה ב-Artlist Blog.

Today, we’re diving into what bokeh is, how it works, and how you can use it in your work to create a more immersive, cinematic experience.

Bokeh isn’t just eye candy either — it sets the mood. It helps isolate your subject, making them pop while the rest of the frame fades into a soft, cinematic backdrop. That dreamy look can add emotion, warmth, or a sense of intimacy to your video. Whether you’re shooting a romantic close-up, a moody night scene, or just trying to add a bit of polish, bokeh brings a visual style that feels intentional, professional, and seriously engaging.

Why are bokeh effects used in video editing and cinematography?

The bokeh effect is a go-to tool in cinematography for creating mood, guiding focus, and adding visual depth. Directors and DPs use it to isolate subjects, soften backgrounds, and draw the viewer’s eye exactly where they want it. In editing, while you can’t “add” true bokeh if it wasn’t captured in-camera, editors can enhance it with color grading, vignettes, or subtle blur effects to push that dreamy, immersive feel even further.

You see bokeh everywhere in classic and modern cinema. In Her (2013), director Spike Jonze uses bokeh to create an intimate, futuristic softness that mirrors the emotional tone of the film, especially in the night scenes filled with glowing city lights. 

Meanwhile, La La Land (2016) uses it like a visual signature, turning LA’s cityscape into a blurred sea of color and light during romantic moments. 

Another standout example is In the Mood for Love (2000) by Wong Kar-wai, where soft focus, shadows, and blurred lights are used to evoke longing, mystery, and emotional distance — proof that bokeh isn’t just beautiful, it’s storytelling in disguise.

How to capture bokeh footage

The trick to capturing great bokeh effects is to understand the various factors that all play a key role in creating that dreamy blur. Here’s what you need to know. 

Lighting tricks

Bokeh loves lights. Point light sources — like string lights, car headlights, candles, or neon signs — work best. Place them in the background and slightly out of focus to create those signature soft orbs. For extra pop, shoot during golden hour or use practical lights (lamps, bulbs, etc.) in the scene. Backlighting or side-lighting your subject can help separate them from the background, making the bokeh stand out even more.

Best bokeh lenses

Fast prime lenses are your best friend here. You want to look for lenses with wide apertures like f/1.2, f/1.4, or f/1.8 — these let in more light and create a much shallower depth of field, which is key for bokeh. Popular options include the 50mm f/1.8 (aka the “nifty fifty”) or an 85mm f/1.4 for portraits. Also, lenses with more aperture blades will tend to produce smoother, rounder bokeh.

Shutter speed

Shutter speed doesn’t directly affect bokeh, but it does play a role in your overall exposure. You want to keep it balanced with your ISO and aperture. If you’re filming video, aim for the 180-degree shutter rule (shutter speed = double your frame rate). For photos, just make sure it’s not too slow, unless you want some motion blur.

Aperture

This is the big one, as you may have guessed from the advice on lenses. The wider the aperture (lower the f-number), the shallower the depth of field, and the creamier the bokeh. Stick to f/2.8 or lower to really see the effect. Just remember to be careful with focus — when the depth of field is that shallow, even a slight shift can throw your subject out of focus.

Positioning

The key to good bokeh in photography and cinematography is to keep your subject far from the background and close to the camera. The more distance between your subject and those lights or background elements, the stronger the blur. Also, frame your shot so background light sources are visible, but not overpowering. It’s always good to play with your angles — you’d be surprised how much a small shift can change the quality of the bokeh.

Editing tips to enhance the bokeh effect

In post-production, you can’t create real bokeh from scratch, but you can crank up the “bokeh vibe”. For example, you can boost contrast slightly to make light sources pop. Or use selective blur or depth-of-field filters to soften the background more. You can even add subtle glow or light bloom effects in tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Lightroom for your photos. Just don’t overdo it — bokeh should feel natural, not forced.

How to create a bokeh effect with a smartphone

Yep, you can still get great bokeh footage with your phone. Use portrait mode on your camera, and you’ll find that it’ll simulate a shallow depth of field using software. For the best results, shoot in low light with small light sources in the background. Some apps (like Halide or ProCamera) can also give you more manual control if your phone supports it. And for editing? Apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile can help soften backgrounds or enhance glow around lights to push that bokeh look further.

Creative ways to use bokeh effects in your videos

There are a number of ways you may want to utilize bokeh stock footage and templates in your video projects.

As a background 

You can use bokeh footage behind titles, logos, or motion graphics to add depth without distraction. It keeps things dynamic without stealing the spotlight.

For transitions

Use pre-made bokeh transition templates to add a smooth, professional touch between scenes. They’re perfect for wedding videos, promos, or anything that needs a soft, elegant flow — no heavy editing required. Just drag, drop, and done.

To set the mood

If you drop in some slow-moving bokeh lights into your edit, then you can instantly bring warmth, romance, mystery, or a dreamy vibe to a scene. This could be perfect for seasonal videos around the holiday season.

As a texture layer

Bokeh can also be used as a texture layer. You can blend it over footage with low opacity to create a rich, atmospheric feel, especially in music videos, wedding films, or emotional montages.

In social content

Bokeh is always great for intros, reels, and background loops that need a touch of elegance or visual interest without getting too busy or distracting.

Bokeh: both art and tool

Bokeh isn’t just a technical trick — it’s a creative choice. Whether you’re capturing it in-camera with the right lens and lighting, or enhancing it in post with subtle edits, bokeh helps you shape the mood and focus of your scene. It’s one of those rare effects that’s both simple and powerful — easy to experiment with, and endlessly customizable.

So, go play. Try different lenses, play with distance, mess around with light. Don’t be afraid to push your edits a little further to find a look that feels right for your project. And if you’re looking for inspiration or ready-made assets, check out Artlist — you’ll find cinematic footage with gorgeous bokeh and editable overlays that’ll take your visuals to the next level.

הפוסט Understanding the bokeh effect הופיע לראשונה ב-Artlist Blog.

What is a robotic camera arm?

A robotic camera arm is a mechanical arm designed for smooth, precise, and dynamic camera movements. Initially invented for factory assembly lines, these arms are now becoming essential tools in video production.

A robotic camera arm will let you program exact moves that can be repeated perfectly every time. This means you can get high-speed shots, complex tracking, and perfectly timed angles that human operators might struggle to deliver.

Is using a robotic arm worth it?

Using a robotic arm can unlock creative possibilities that traditional rigs can’t — but it’s essential to weigh the practical factors, such as cost and setup complexity, before making it part of your production.

Budget

Robotic arms can be a significant investment, with rental prices typically ranging from $1,000 to $7,000 per day, depending on the arm’s capabilities and the camera setup you choose. Keep in mind that this cost often doesn’t include additional expenses such as crew, transportation, or setup time. It’s essential to carefully evaluate which features you need for your project and find a balance that fits your budget.

Schedules often drive budgets. With careful planning, you can limit rental days to only the sequences or shots that truly need robotic precision, helping you manage costs without sacrificing creative impact.

Technical needs

It’s essential to note that some robotic rigs require four to five people to operate safely, which increases your crew costs. The robotic arm isn’t the camera itself, so if you’re investing in a rig, you’ll probably want to pair it with the best camera your budget allows. Most rigs require a small team, including an assistant and a camera operator familiar with the setup. Some setups even require up to four people just to move heavy equipment since some rigs can weigh as much as 500 kg.

When planning shoots involving robotic arms (or any large rig), it’s important to consider the following:

• Camera support: The robotic arm needs to support the full weight of your camera, lenses, and accessories.
• Power considerations: Most robotic arms run on regular power outlets, but it’s wise to check for any special power or battery requirements before the shoot.
• Safety and permits: Because the gear is large and can be tricky to handle, following health and safety rules, conducting a thorough risk assessment, and securing location permits are all essential.
• Team awareness: It’s also vital that everyone involved understands these requirements to ensure the shoot is safe and runs smoothly.

Creative considerations

Robotic arms excel in speed and precision. They can move quickly and hit exact points repeatedly, which is perfect for complex shots that need to be replicated multiple times, like high-speed action sequences or perfectly timed slow-motion moments. This level of control opens up a new world of creative possibilities that would be challenging or impossible to achieve by hand.

Reach and flexibility are also key factors. Different robotic arms offer varying ranges of motion and degrees of freedom, so it’s vital to choose one that fits your shot ideas. These rigs enable you to capture unique perspectives that would be difficult to achieve otherwise, helping your video stand out with dynamic visuals.

Examples from top brands

There are many options available when it comes to robotic camera arms — from compact arms designed for detailed product shots to heavy-duty rigs built for large-scale productions. Popular models, such as the Bolt Cinebot, Kira Arm, and MRMC robotic arms, offer a range of features to suit all kinds of creative needs and budgets.

Coca-Cola’s 2024 ‘Worth Every Drop’ campaign took things a step further by using robotic arms to capture slow-motion moments with incredible accuracy. The robotic rigs timed the shots perfectly to catch people spilling their Coke during deeply emotional reunions — like hugging their dog after time apart or celebrating with friends at a lively party. These carefully choreographed moments brought out the genuine joy and connection in each scene, making the campaign truly memorable.

Robotic arm footage in the Artlist catalog

Artlist creators have been experimenting with robotic camera arms to produce exciting new stock footage. These innovative assets are explicitly designed with video creators in mind and come with the simple, all-in-one Artlist license, making them easy to use in any project.

Couple, love, holding hands, Vienna

This slow-motion clip shows a couple releasing hands and moving toward opposite edges of the frame while other people rush by in a high-speed blur behind them. The footage captures a powerful sense of longing and distance — perfect for emotional storytelling.

Woman, ice cream, eating, Vienna

This slow-motion clip shows a woman licking an ice cream cone as the camera pans forward to a close-up. Behind her, people move quickly in a blur against the Vienna backdrop, creating a lively contrast between calm and motion — great for lifestyle or summer-themed projects.

Basketball, man, water, plexiglass

This striking shot captures a man bouncing a basketball from below through plexiglass covered with a thin layer of water. The splash adds dynamic energy, making it perfect for opening or closing sports videos. It can also work well to hide transitions or as a logo reveal.

Women, athletes, workout, portrait

This shot shows two women athletes coming together for a high five and then looking down. The camera moves from below through plexiglass, coming up close to their faces. It captures a decisive moment of teamwork and focus.

Woman, golden cascade, autumn, fall leaves

This footage starts close on a woman’s hands as she throws autumn leaves into the air, shot from below through plexiglass. The camera pulls back as the leaves fall and settle on the glass, revealing a wide shot of her shoes surrounded by the colorful fall foliage. It’s a beautiful, calm moment perfect for seasonal or nature-themed projects.

Man, wiping, looking at camera, clearing

Shot through snow-covered plexiglass from below, this footage shows a man wiping away snow with his hands to reveal his face as he looks directly at the camera. The nighttime setting and snow create a cozy, wintery vibe — perfect for holiday or seasonal projects.

Is a robotic arm right for your story?

Robotic camera arms offer incredible creative possibilities, but they’re not the right choice for every project. The technology should always support your story, not complicate it. Sometimes, a simple handheld shot or traditional rig delivers the emotion and authenticity you need. Before deciding, think about what fits your creative goals, your budget, and your team’s capacity.

If you want to explore footage created with robotic arms and see how this technology can enhance your projects, visit the Artlist collections below to find inspiration and ready-to-use assets for your next video.

Vienna Postcards Artlist Footage Collection
Plexiglass Sports Moments Artlist Footage Collection
Plexiglass Life Moments Artlist Footage Collection

הפוסט Should you use a robotic camera arm in your next production? הופיע לראשונה ב-Artlist Blog.

The idea is very simple: every cut you make should be judged against six criteria. Each one has a different weight, with emotion ranked highest. Murch’s point is clear – technical precision matters, but it should never come at the cost of how the audience feels.

Here’s how the rule of six editing laws breaks down, including a ranking of importance:

1. Emotion (51%)

First up, does the cut feel right emotionally? That’s your top priority. The audience should feel what the character feels. If a cut kills the emotion  — even if it’s perfect technically  — then it’s the wrong cut.

Example: Holding a close-up a second longer to let a character’s reaction land. 

2. Story (23%)

Second, does the cut push the story forward? Every edit should serve the narrative. If it doesn’t move the story, then it doesn’t belong.

Example: Cutting early to a character’s decision instead of dragging out a scene that’s already made its point.

3. Rhythm (10%)

Thirdly, ask yourself does the timing feel right? Great editing always has a pulse. Too fast, and you lose meaning. Too slow, and you lose attention.

Example: Matching the pace of dialogue with quicker cuts in a heated argument.

4. Eye trace (7%)

Eye trace is about understanding if the cut respects where the viewer’s looking. You want to guide their gaze. Don’t make them search the frame. We’ll take a closer look at this further on.

Example: If a character exits left in one shot, place them entering from the same side in the next.

5. 2D Plane of Screen (5%)

As an editor, it’s important to analyse whether the composition flows left to right or top to bottom. The visual direction should stay consistent to avoid disorienting cuts.

Example: Keeping a car chase moving in the same direction across cuts.

Last but not least, is the spatial geography clear? Don’t confuse your viewer. They should always know where characters are in relation to each other.

Example: Staying within the 180-degree rule during a dialogue scene.

What is eye tracing?

Eye tracing, one of Walter Murch’s rules, is the subconscious way viewers follow action and composition across cuts. It’s how the eye naturally moves from one point of interest to another, both within a single shot and between shots. You may not have really noticed this before while watching films because, when done right, the audience’s gaze flows effortlessly, making the edit feel smooth and intuitive. 

Managing eye trace is crucial because it keeps the visual flow clear and prevents confusion. If a cut suddenly moves the subject to a completely different part of the screen, or if the viewer’s eye has to jump around searching for what to focus on, it breaks their connection with the scene. This kind of disruption can easily pull people out of the story, even if they don’t consciously notice it.

As an editor, you guide eye movement by carefully controlling the following:

• Framing: You want to keep the subject or key action in roughly the same area of the screen across cuts. This creates visual continuity.
• Motion: You can focus on using natural movement within the frame to lead the eye toward the next shot’s point of interest. For example, if a character looks left, cut to a shot where the object or person they’re looking at appears on the left side.
• Contrast: You can highlight important elements by using light, color, or focus.. Brightness and sharpness attract the eye, helping to anchor attention where it should be.

How eye tracing affects editing decisions

Naturally, following the eye tracing rule is going to shape how you cut shots together and demands certain editing techniques. If you don’t consider where the viewer’s eye naturally goes, your edits can feel jarring or confusing. But eye tracing isn’t just about avoiding confusion — it’s about creating a smooth visual rhythm that supports the story and the emotion. When your cuts respect eye tracing, the viewer stays engaged without distraction, letting your story flow naturally.

Planning your edits around eye trace

Before cutting, ask yourself where the viewer’s eye is going. What’s their focus in the current shot, and where should it land next? Plan your cuts so that visual elements lead the eye logically and smoothly. This keeps the flow natural and avoids unnecessary distractions.

Digital assets and the rule of eye tracing

Pre-keyed footage, templates, and transitions can be helpful in edits, but also risky. If these assets don’t respect the natural eye movement in your shots, they can interrupt flow and confuse viewers.

You want to use transitions that match the direction of movement or composition. Templates that position elements consistently help maintain eye trace. If you overuse flashy transitions, random overlays, or mismatched templates, it can pull attention away from the main action, breaking the viewer’s visual path.

Practical tips for applying eye tracing and the “rule of six”

Match screen direction

You should keep characters and objects moving consistently from one side of the frame to the other. If a person walks left to right in one shot, then continue that direction in the next. This maintains spatial logic and prevents viewers from getting disoriented.

Maintain framing

You want to try and keep key subjects or points of interest in the same general area of the screen between your cuts. If a character is on the right side of the frame in one shot, don’t suddenly place them on the left in the next unless there’s a clear reason. Consistent framing helps the viewer’s eye stay focused and reduces visual confusion.

Follow motion

You should use movement within the shot to lead the viewer’s eye naturally. For example, if a character reaches or looks toward something, cut to a shot where that object or person is positioned in the direction of that motion. This guides attention seamlessly through the edit.

Use contrast intentionally

You can leverage elements like brightness, color, and focus to highlight important parts of the frame. Brighter or sharper areas draw the eye. Make sure your cuts keep these visual anchors consistent so viewers instinctively know where to look.

Prioritize emotion first

Remember Walter Murch’s “rule of six” and the weighting given to each point. Emotion always comes first and takes priority. So if a cut connects emotionally, small breaks in eye trace or technical rules can be acceptable. Never sacrifice feeling for perfection in framing or continuity.

Check pacing

Rhythm impacts how the eye moves. Fast cuts, such as a jump cut can make the eye dart; slow cuts let it settle. Adjust your timing so the viewer’s gaze can comfortably follow the action and absorb key details.

Test edits

Step back and watch your cuts without overthinking too much. Notice if your eye moves naturally or if you get stuck searching. If something feels off, then you should tweak the framing, direction, or timing.

Use digital assets wisely

When working with templates, pre-keyed footage, or transitions, ensure that they don’t disrupt the viewer’s natural eye path. You should choose or customize digital elements that align with your scene’s motion and composition, avoiding anything too flashy that pulls attention away from the story.

Templates, lower thirds, and transitions can be huge time-savers if they’re designed to respect eye trace. When these elements line up with the natural flow of the viewer’s eye, they help keep your edits smooth and clear without extra work. For example:

Templates that position text or graphics consistently on one side prevent the eye from jumping around.

Lower thirds placed in predictable spots let viewers absorb information without distraction.

Transition video templates that follow the direction of motion or match the composition help maintain visual flow between shots.

Using these assets thoughtfully not only streamlines your workflow but also supports better storytelling. You avoid having to rework cuts because the eye gets pulled off-track. Instead, you build momentum and keep the audience focused.

When choosing or customizing assets, always check that they guide the eye naturally and don’t clash with your shot composition. That way, you save time and deliver cleaner, more professional edits.

Wrapping up

Great editing isn’t just about knowing the tools — it’s about using them with intention. Every cut should serve a purpose, whether it’s driving emotion, supporting the story, or guiding the viewer’s eye. That’s where the “rule of six” really comes in. It’s not a rigid formula, but more of a practical checklist that helps you prioritize what really matters: the audience’s experience.

Use this framework to stay grounded in what each moment needs. Lead with emotion, respect rhythm, and let eye tracing keep your visual flow smooth and intuitive.

If you’re looking to streamline your process and improve clarity, why not start with Artlist assets that are built with eye trace in mind? Smartly designed templates, lower thirds, and transitions don’t just save time — they help you edit with confidence and consistency.

הפוסט Understand eye tracing and the rule of six הופיע לראשונה ב-Artlist Blog.

Ironically, it’s this very threat that has, in recent years, drawn far more attention to one of the world’s smallest nations. But Tuvalu is so much more than just some sort of impending doomsday attraction. Look beyond the YouTube titles and clickbait thumbnails, and you’ll find a genuinely rich history and culture that the people of Tuvalu are rightly proud of.

To document this incredible island, as a way of preserving its unique culture and keeping its spirit alive for generations to come, Artlist sent four leading artists to capture the unique sights and sounds of Tuvalu. These assets form the Tuvalu collection, available for download in the Artlist catalog. The team consisted of content creator Joshua Guvi, filmmaker Spencer Frost, composer Tristan Barton, and audio naturalist Charles Rose.

Arriving in Tuvalu

Now…back to that map. “It’s definitely way out there — a tiny island in the middle of the South Pacific,” explains Spencer. Tuvalu lies smack in the middle of the Pacific Ocean — right between Australia and Hawaii. It’s made up of nine coral atolls and reef islands, scattered across just 26 square kilometers of land. 

Spencer continues on the trials of how to travel with a drone and all of his other gear — “I wanted to document this place properly, so bringing a good amount of camera gear to do this place justice was a must. RED cinema camera, big drones, underwater housings, lenses, tripods, and all the other extras we needed — we were not travelling light! There are only one or 2 flights to the island a week, and it’s not a big plane, so we all had to sneak on as much carry-on camera kit as we could, as well as paying a good fee in excess baggage to get everything over.” In short, then, it was a little bit more than just your essential travel vlogging equipment!

Thanks to the lack of flights, most of the time, the airport runway is actually just a giant playground for the many local kids who run around playing football, flying kites, and, it turns out, looking for any opportunity to get in front of the camera. “Seeing all the children gathering there, playing together, and feeling that joyful, positive energy was moving,” says Charles. “Knowing that this place could disappear under the sea in the coming years makes those memories even more precious. Moments like these are a reminder of how important it is to preserve both cultures and places of life.”

The creative process

But the boys don’t immediately hit record with cameras and microphones. Each has their own process. Charles explains, “When I get to a new place, I don’t record straight away. I take a bit of time to walk around and listen. I let myself be immersed in the sounds around me. Sometimes a tone or a rhythm catches my ear. Other times, I notice something moving – two objects rubbing, leaves shaking — and I wonder what kind of sound it makes. That’s usually when I decide to record. I trust my instincts and follow whatever grabs my attention.”

It’s a similar story for Tristan, too. “Typically, I try to keep things organic, and not go in with too many preconceived ideas of what to expect. Despite doing a little bit of research beforehand, I was very open to anything and everything that Tuvalu had to offer. I think this approach, for me anyway, helps to ground the experience and allow for the unexpected when it comes to inspiration.”

This harmony in the creative approach “made it feel more collaborative, less like a shoot and more like a shared project,” says Josh. “Everyone brought something different to the table. Tristan was building music from kids singing, and Charles was running around with all kinds of mics recording textures and underwater sounds. Spencer and his team were just quietly capturing everything — really thoughtful shooters, super dialed in. It wasn’t just about filming stuff, it felt like we were all trying to absorb the place in our own way.”

Over the course of the week, the boys captured gorgeous, cinematic footage, beautifully moving music, and natural sounds that are truly unique to Tuvalu. These now form the assets found in the Tuvalu collection, where you can continue to keep the Tuvalu spirit alive in your own projects.

Capturing the unique sounds of Tuvalu

For any creative, SFX are an important cornerstone for a project. “Sound is a powerful way to raise awareness of the richness of the living world, to help us hear what we don’t even stop to look at,” explains Charles. “These recordings remind us that nature is always there, alive, active, even in its quietest forms. Making those sounds audible is a way of reconnecting people with that presence.”

Charles focused not just on nature sound effects, but culture and everyday life, too. His ability to pick out seemingly random objects in the landscape led to a variety of unique recordings. “We were standing around a barrel, and a kid nearby started hitting it with his hand. Right away, I thought it could be interesting to capture the metallic resonance using a contact microphone — especially since Tristan was with us. Depending on whether the barrel was empty or full, the sound would change, and I was curious to hear what it could produce.”

Charles immediately leapt at the opportunity. “Together with Tristan, Spencer, and the child, we started drumming on the barrel, creating this spontaneous scene, all connected through sound. What I really loved was letting the child listen back through the headphones, so he could hear how different the sound felt compared to what you hear with your bare ears.”

It’s all about the people

There’s no doubt that the local children and people of Tuvalu made the biggest impression on the team and ensured their trip was so wonderful. Tristan was blown away — “the thing that will always be etched into my heart and mind is the people. Some of the most inviting and beautiful human beings I’ve ever met!”

“The local people of Tuvalu were all so happy for us to be there documenting their culture and home. Everywhere we went, we were greeted with nothing but smiles and happiness. The kids on the island don’t have much — but they have the ocean and are so happy just to swim, jump, and play in the ocean every day” reflects Spencer. 

Josh agrees — “when they were swimming, jumping off the pier, just messing around. It was super simple, but something about it stuck with me. They were just being kids, but there’s this weight in the background when you know their future here isn’t guaranteed. That contrast really hit.” 

Click to download the full Footage Collection of The Youth of Tuvalu

The responsibility and importance of a trip like this was not lost on the four creatives. “You talk to kids who are being adopted overseas because their homes are disappearing. You hear people say they don’t know what the future holds. That’s heavy. And I think the least we can do is tell those stories while they’re still unfolding,” says Josh.

Preserving Tuvalu culture through music and film

For Spencer, it’s his work as a filmmaker that helps document what’s happening to Tuvalu in this moment. “We now have a beautiful visual documentation of Tuvalu, a place that not many people in the world will get to visit, and also a country that might not be around much anymore. I think a mix of all the imagery that we captured helped show the spirit and soul of the place — the friendly smiles of all the kids on the island, the pristine, crystal clear water, and tropical palm trees. It was really a visually beautiful place.”

“Tropical islands are really a hard place to make look bad, but in Tuvalu I really loved that wherever you point a camera it was beautiful. Combined with some amazing sunrises and sunsets, crystal clear water and palm trees on a remote tropical island, it was an incredible place to document for artlist.”

Of course, when it comes to preserving the culture itself, music plays a key role. Historically, Tuvalu’s story starts with Polynesians settling the islands centuries ago, navigating vast ocean distances with nothing but stars and skill. It’s no surprise, then, that Tristan picked up on this with the traditional music they heard during their time here. “The music was very raw in nature and had that ‘island-uke” style sound,” Tristan reflects, referencing the unique Oceania musical instruments that were being used by the locals. “I think my immediate thoughts were how similar it sounded to a lot of Hawaiian music. There was also an obvious Samoan influence in a lot of the traditional songs, so I definitely tried to incorporate elements of that into my compositions.”

Click here to download the complete Sounds of Tuvalu SFX collection.

For Charles, the Tuvalu music was a standout moment. “What touched me the most in Tuvalu were the cultural moments shared with the local community. I’ll never forget the kava ceremony we experienced together with the team and the residents. The songs from that evening were unforgettable, and listening to them again at home brings back strong memories.”

The Tuvalu collection

Through the Artlist Tuvalu collection, you can expect to feel and evoke these strong memories of culture and traditional dance, too. Spencer’s stunning cinematic footage is perfect for creating travel videos using stock footage, while new tracks from Tristan, inspired by Oceania music, and the unique sound effects recorded by Charles all work to bring the island to life. 

Click to download the Sinking Island Album by Tristan Barton

This project, Spencer believes, can “help raise awareness for what’s happening to Tuvalu and the people on the island. As humans, we need to all do our part to help combat global warming, climate change, and rising sea levels. I think beautifully documenting a place like this is a great way to do that.”

For Charles, it’s a form of testimony. Nature is changing, and with climate change, environments and their soundscapes are vanishing. By capturing these sounds, we’re creating living archives of a time and place under threat. The same goes for culture. During this trip, I recorded unique cultural elements: local Tuvalu dances, songs, language, and other traditions deeply rooted in Tuvaluan identity. These too are at risk because of climate change.”

If you have a story to tell and a vision to bring to life, we believe that all you need is the right creative toolkit. Artlist is all about empowering people from all walks of life to create anytime, anywhere. By sending creators across the world to document what they see, hear, and feel, we provide you with the highest-quality, original, and exclusive creative assets and tools. The Tuvalu collection is now available for download.

Check out more work from the Artlist x Tuvalu creators: 

Joshua Guvi, Travel filmmaker, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, IMDb
Spencer Frost, Filmmaker and cinematographer, Website, Instagram, YouTube 
Tristan Barton, Musical artist and composer, Website, YouTube, Instagram
Charles Rose, Field recorder, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok

הפוסט How to preserve the spirit and culture of a disappearing island הופיע לראשונה ב-Artlist Blog.

Creating the APT. camera movements 

Camera movement plays a crucial role in shaping the energy and tone of a music video. By using techniques like subtle zooms, whip pans, and creative transitions, a filmmaker can control the pacing and guide the viewer’s experience. 

The APT. music video demonstrates this perfectly, using a mix of these elements to create a high-energy vibe. These minimal techniques allow the camera to follow the rhythm of the song. The clean framing highlights the performers with personality but avoids feeling overproduced. This balance creates an authentic feel, making each shot purposeful and in tune with the music, allowing the viewer to engage with the video’s energy.

A lot of the style in the APT. music video camera work is created during filming, but you can create a similar look in your projects with creative transitions.

Whip Noise Transitions

The Whip Noise Transitions pack features 8 stunning transitional effects, each with a unique whip-pan style. The animation includes a motion blur and stunning light leak effects, creating a smooth and dynamic movement between your clips.

Download Whip Noice Transitions now

Spin Seamless Transitions

Available for Premiere Pro and After Effects, the Spin Seamless Transitions collection features multi-directional spin effects with a soft motion blur. These transitions are perfect for maintaining a consistent theme and style across your video projects.

Download Spin Seamless Transitions Now

Dynamic Spin Transitions

The Dynamic Spin Transitions pack, available for Premiere Pro and After Effects, includes 12 transitions with a corner-originated spin effect. These transitions give the impression of movement across the video, adding a sense of motion rather than just a simple spin.

Download Dynamic Spin Transitions now

Adding hand-drawn animations

Hand-drawn animations bring a unique, artistic touch that makes your video stand out. These handcrafted elements add personality and charm, creating a nostalgic, human feel that resonates emotionally with viewers. With creative flexibility, they’re not bound by real-world constraints, allowing for endless possibilities. This blend of artistry and freedom adds a distinctive flair, helping your video feel both memorable and personal while connecting on a deeper level with your audience.

Drawn Sticker Pack

The Draw Sticker Pack includes a massive 135 sticker doodles ready to drag and drop to your video compositions. The huge variety of scribble effect shapes includes arrows, stars, letters, lightning strikes, and ribbons.

Download Drawn Sticker Pack now

Scribble Alphabet

As the name suggests, the Scribble Alphabet pack includes 26 letters, numbers, and punctuation so that you can build title elements of your own. Each character scribbles on the screen with a subtle noise effect before quickly being rubbed away.

Download Scribble Alphabet now

Hand Drawn Speech Bubble

The Hand Drawn Speech Bubble pack includes 10 cute and stylish elements, ready to drag and drop to your compositions. Easy title editing and color controllers allow you to quickly adjust your speech bubble to suit your color palette.

Download Hand Drawn Speech Bubble now

Adding the vintage film look

The vintage film look instantly transforms the mood and atmosphere of your video, bringing a nostalgic, cinematic tone. Film grain, light leaks, scratches, and faded colors add depth and character. This timeless style taps into emotions and memories, making it perfect for storytelling, music videos, or any project that needs a bit of soul. Vintage film overlays and LUTs from platforms like Artlist let you achieve this effect quickly without requiring a film camera.

Perforations, Scratches, Grain, Effect

The Perforations, Scratches, Grain, Effect is a 9-second overlay with a distinctly vintage feel. The clip features film reel perforations along the left of the screen, with a soft, warm grain filling the space — an idea for creating a nostalgic vibe for home video-style pieces.

Square, Black, Cross, Screen

If you’re looking for a retro opening for your video project, then you can’t go wrong with this incredible vintage countdown. The 6-second clip includes black crosses intercut with a countdown featuring words and numbers, all wrapped in a scratchy vignette effect.

Runing Film, Scratched, Noise, Texture

The Runing Film texture is ideal for adding a heavily distressed look to your video projects. The 10-second clips include beautiful orange burn lights, giant scratches, and hairs across the entire frame, all surrounded by a blurry vignette. 

Trendy paper cutouts

Paper cutouts add layers and texture to your video without the need for 3D effects. They’re playful, eye-catching, and instantly grab attention, making your content memorable and shareable. In a world full of sleek digital visuals, paper-cut styles stand out by feeling handcrafted and authentic. They bring warmth and a human touch, making your video feel more personal and approachable. With Artlist assets, you don’t need to be a motion graphics expert to incorporate this charming style into your projects.

Paper & Collage Branding Pack

The Paper & Collage Branding Pack features an impressive library of assets, including 12 backgrounds, 8 transitions, 50 overlays, 6 lower thirds, and 6 titles. Each animation features a stop-motion style animation, unfolding paper to reveal images or titles.

Download Paper & Collage Branding Pack now

Freeze Frame Collage Grunge

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to create a stylistic video, the Freeze Frame Collage Grunge template is ideal. It features 9 modular scenes, filled with paper rip transitions and cool performer cut-out effects.

Download Freeze Frame Collage Grunge now 

Paper Cutout Title

The Paper Cutout Title pack includes letters, numbers, and punctuation elements to build title styles. Each letter is printed on a scrunched piece of paper that unrolls and flatters to reveal the characters, with jittery stop-motion movement.

Download Paper Cutout Title now

Finding the right up-tempo track

Finding the right up-tempo track is key to setting your video’s mood and energy. A blend of pop genres, such as pop-rock, electropop, and K-pop, can bring the perfect balance of excitement and vibrancy. The right track will sync seamlessly with your camera work, hand-drawn animations, and bold transitions. For filmmakers, choosing an energetic, upbeat song helps maintain pace and ensures the visuals feel fresh, engaging, and suitably in tune with the narrative.

Smiley Faces by Shiraz Rimon

‘Smiley Faces’ is an energetic and upbeat track with a nostalgic ’90s vibe. The punk-rock style arrangement and bright, punchy lyrics add a rebellious feel to the song, which features electric guitar, percussion, synth, and vocals.

Fighting Flames with Fire — Instrumental Version by Icarus

The instrumental version of ‘Fighting Flames with Fire’ is a stunning arrangement that could also work as well in a feature film as a YouTube vlog. The piece begins with subtle keys and synth before ramping up with electric guitars, drums, and bass to create an 80s-style sci-fi feel.

The Final Magic by Novembers

The Final Magic provides an upbeat, synth-filled ’80s power tune, ideal for everything from club music to opening title sequences. The electronic pop sound feels familiar, with plenty of snaps, claps, and keys to give the track a modern spin.

Down to Business by Rex Banner

If you’re looking for upbeat pop with a rock twist, Down to Business is a fantastic option. Featuring grunge guitar sounds, plenty of percussion, and distorted vocals, the energetic party vibe is sure to get your audience on their feet.

Recreate the Apt. music video style with Artlist

The APT video’s bold visual style and infectious energy make it an ideal reference for anyone looking to add personality and emotion to their videos

Recreating the vibrant, dynamic style of the APT. music video requires a mix of thoughtful camera work, creative transitions, hand-drawn animations, vintage film effects, and the right energetic track. 

Content creators can quickly achieve this style by leveraging Artlist’s extensive library of assets. Explore  Artlist’s video templates catalog to find resources to help bring your creative vision to life.

הפוסט How to recreate APT.’s viral music video style using Artlist  הופיע לראשונה ב-Artlist Blog.

Now, with Artlist’s powerful new AI image and video generator, turning inspiration into visual reality has never been easier. Before you dive in and start creating, let’s understand what an AI generator is.

What is an AI image generator?

AI image generators are computer programs that allow you to build unique images based on simple text prompts. You describe what you want, and the AI uses that description to produce artistic, photo-realistic, or stylized visuals.

The AI is powered by machine learning algorithms trained on large image datasets to produce new visuals based on your prompts. Unlike editing existing images, generative AI creates entirely new images using the knowledge it has learned from the data.

Main uses of AI-generated images

AI-generated images are making waves across various industries, and their applications are almost limitless. Let’s check out some of the most popular uses.

Video and film production

For filmmaking and video production, AI-generated images and video clips are used alongside stock assets for conceptualization and storyboarding. The technology allows filmmakers of any skill level to create visualizations of their ideas with more accuracy and detail.

AI also speeds up the previs (previsualization) stages of complex scenes with visual effects. Filmmakers can quickly generate realistic environments, landscapes, and characters to test ideas and make sure everything works before starting the VFX process.

Marketing and advertising

Brands and businesses use AI to create content for campaigns, ads, and social media. From the image to the copy in the description, generative AI can take care of it all.

While generative AI can create a range of content marketing materials, audiences still crave authenticity from the brands they love. Marketers are finding innovative ways to use AI to improve their work while keeping the personal touch that’s essential to stay on top of marketing trends.

Concept art for games

AI image generators are also used for video game concept art, character designs, and world-building. Their speed allows creators to focus on perfecting their ideas and exploring new ways to tell stories in games.

Graphic design and illustration

Graphic designers are finding fantastic uses for generative AI technology. Image generators offer the perfect opportunity to experiment with designs and layouts quickly before finalizing their work.

AI can also be used to check a finished design — suggesting improvements or pointing out areas where the design is not aligned with the brand or creative brief.

Social media content creation

Social media is flooded with AI-generated content, from abstract art to fun viral trends. The uses are endless, making it a great tool for content creators to keep up with the algorithm.

If you want to use AI images on social media, you should exercise a bit of caution. As the quality of the photos produced improves, AI is increasingly being misused in ways that can harm or deceive the end user, whether through scams or misinformation. It’s essential to be transparent about your use of AI to maintain trust with your audience.

How does AI turn text into images?

AI image generation combines computer vision and natural language processing (NLP) to understand and interpret text descriptions. 

Input text

You provide a detailed prompt describing the image you want the AI to generate. The more detailed you can be, the more likely the AI will interpret your prompt correctly.

Text processing

The AI analyzes the words and uses language processing to understand your intended meaning. It breaks down the text into individual components like colors, shapes, textures, and objects.

Image synthesis

The AI then begins generating an image based on the information it has processed. It uses the colors, shapes, textures, and objects it has learned about to create a new image that matches your prompt.

Refinement

The AI fine-tunes the image, improving its quality, adding detail, and adjusting it to match your prompt more closely.

How to create AI-generated images

Step 1 — Choose an AI image generator

The first step to creating an AI-generated image is to choose the generator you want to use. DALL-E (by OpenAI), MidJourney, Stable Diffusion, and Artbreeder are all incredibly popular with users, but there are plenty of other options. If you’re already an Adobe Creative Cloud user, you can play around with Adobe Firefly to get used to creating prompts.

Step 2 — Create your text prompt

Write a clear and detailed description of how you visualize the image. Be as specific as possible about the elements you want to see, such as the environment, mood, colors, composition, and any special effects.

Step 3 — Adjust the AI settings

Many AI image generators allow you to fine-tune settings such as style (realistic, cartoonish, abstract), resolution, and aspect ratio. Some tools even allow you to upload reference images for inspiration. It’s worth playing around with the AI settings to see how they affect the generated image.

Step 4 — Generate your image

Once you’re happy with your prompt and settings, click generate — the AI will do the hard work for you. Most generators will take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.

Step 5 — Review and refine

It can take a little while to get the correct prompt for the image you have in your mind. Consider your first prompt and how the AI has interpreted it, then try adjusting your description or adding more information.

Tips to get the best AI-generated images

Creating high-quality AI-generated images requires some practice and understanding of the system. Here’s some ideas on how to get started, and create the best images for your projects: 

Writing a good prompt

To get the best results from AI image generators, include as many details as possible in your description. Think about everything you want in your image and describe it clearly. You can even use an AI text generator to help craft a detailed prompt.

Use reference images

Some AI image generators let you upload reference images, which can improve the accuracy of your final image. This is helpful if you want to create a specific look or match a certain style.

Adjust settings

Most generators let you customize resolution, size, or aspect ratio. Some offer style options like realistic, watercolor, or even 3D. Fine-tuning the settings to your preferred style gives the AI more information to create the image you want.

Time to unlock your creativity with AI image gen

AI image generators are powerful tools that make it easier for anyone to create stunning visuals, whatever their artistic background. Whether you’re an artist, designer, filmmaker, or content creator, these tools can help you turn your ideas into reality in no time.

The secret to getting the best results is learning how to craft the right prompts, exploring  platform settings, and trying out different styles. The key is to experiment, have fun with the process and discover what works for you.

Ready to bring your ideas to life? Start creating stunning visuals today with Artlist’s AI image and video generator. Sign up for a free trial and explore the possibilities.

הפוסט How to generate AI images: a practical guide for beginners הופיע לראשונה ב-Artlist Blog.

Long-time Artlist contributors Brianna Tam and Sam Newton are equally talented in two very different fields. This summer, the cellist and the filmmaker took this partnership one step further when they decided to join forces. They spent the day in an LA studio, creating an audio-visual project with Brianna improvising electric cello over Sam’s cinematic collection of moments from Norway, aimed to reflect the feeling of awe Sam feels whenever he visits the country. 

The result went way beyond anyone’s expectations — and left some members of the Artlist team wanting to learn the cello themselves. We caught up with Brianna and Sam to learn more about this project, their distinct but complementary creative processes, and why they’re now determined to team up with artists in different disciplines in the future. 

Brianna Tam: Redefining the sound of passion and resilience

Although Brianna and Sam’s crafts are very different, both of them had to pave their own way to get where they are today.

Based in LA, Brianna Tam is a classical cellist, electric cellist, and composer. When she started playing cello at age 8, her music teacher told her she was too passionate and needed to calm down. “So I made my energy smaller and smaller over the years,” she says. 

Brianna always knew she wanted to pursue a path in music, so she worked hard, eventually competing in concerto competitions, performing with world-class musicians, and attending a competitive music conservatory.

She dropped out after one year due to burnout, and during her time off came across Apocalypta, a heavy metal cello band. That’s when she realized her energy might fit in after all. “I got back into cello through the loop pedal, which means I can record and add layers live,” she says. “I can build a world of music on my own.” 

Brianna mastered the art of improvised live-looping in non-classical performance, and it wasn’t long before the music world began to take notice. Her unparalleled energy and passion combined with her imagination and flow led to a killer live show. She was hired as Principal Cellist of the Spartanburg Philharmonic and Assistant Principal Cellist of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. 

Brianna started working with Artlist in 2021 after a friend encouraged her to send her debut album, Growth to the team. “Their contact person said he loved it and listened to it in his own time and had it on repeat,” she says. “I was like, okay — well, that means a lot.”

Now, Brianna is one of Artlist’s most popular musicians. She works with Artlist Originals to create original music for the catalog, and her gift of building and illustrating worlds through sound has added depth and texture to hundreds of film projects—including some of Sam Newton’s.

Sam Newton: Turning bold beginnings into global adventures

Sam Newton started working with Artlist in 2019 after spending five years traveling around the world and documenting his experiences. Just like Brianna, he had to get creative in order to make things happen for him. When he started out, he emailed over 500 companies to ask them if they might need his services. Three got back to him, and that was enough to kick-start his career. 

Since 2019, Sam Newton and Artlist have been creative partners, working on dozens of film projects around the world, with a big part of his work and ethos centered around collaboration. “It’s great to meet other people who have taken that risk and broken the norms, whether they’re musicians, filmmakers, or visual artists,” he says. So when the idea to work with Brianna on his new travel film arose, he knew it would be a positive experience.

Both artists say that working with Artlist has helped amplify their creativity and explore new horizons, and both love the sense of connection with the community. “Artlist creatives who use my music want to feel connected to the person who is infusing energy in their project,” Brianna says. “They see my face, see what else I do, and see me as a person, not just a number. So I’ve had filmmakers reach out to me from Artlist to say I’ve scored a couple of their films.”

And Sam has been working on joint projects with Artlist for close to a year. “I’m working on a series where I get to interview and highlight Artlist’s incredible creators,” Sam says. “So it was really cool to actually see my footage with Brianna’s music and get to collaborate at that level.”

The art of collaboration

This project came about after Brianna performed at an Artlist event in LA. “I was telling the team how I wouldn’t be in LA right now if it wasn’t for Artlist,” Brianna says. “And they suggested we spotlight that and work on something together.”

A few weeks later, she received an email suggesting the joint project with Sam. “They said they think our styles would work really well together,” Brianna says. 

In September, Brianna, Sam, and a few members of the Artlist team gathered in a recording studio in Hollywood. They only had one day to nail the premise of the project, so after some quick introductions, Sam played Brianna his footage, and she ran with it. 

“I really like powerful, overwhelming, emotional music to align with the films that I make,” Sam says. “What she brings to the table with that cinematic genre and what she does with the cello is something that I really look for. That’s why I’ve used a lot of her music in the past.”

One of the key challenges was time limits — they just had one day to finalize the music. But Brianna felt right at home improvising music alongside Sam’s visuals. “I often do two-hour shows where I’m improvising the whole time,” Brianna says. “So I’m used to coming up with things quickly.”

She played to align with Sam’s imagery of Norway’s grandiose natural landscapes.

“His footage is really dramatic with intense, poetic, and introspective dialogue, so I played with that mood,” Brianna says.

As soon as Brianna started playing, it became clear that their two distinct styles were very well suited. “It was kind of a perfect match,” Brianna says. “The music he uses in his videos is the kind I create, and the drone shots of mountains and oceans were gorgeous. It was kind of hard not to be inspired by it, so it was pretty intuitive.”

Sam says he felt just as inspired by Brianna. “We both live in the moment and allow creativity to flow — and it was really cool to see the way she operated with making her music,” Sam says. “We looked over the footage and she closed her eyes and just started playing. It was really, really powerful how she came up with this incredibly emotive music right on the spot.”

The result: Creating magic through partnership

Brianna’s track is called “Nor Way.” It’s a 4.5-minute journey through the full spectrum of human emotions, starting slow, low, and melancholy before building to an emotive crescendo that evokes feelings of awe and inspiration. It’s a classical masterpiece that fits perfectly with Sam’s drone cinematography landscape shots rooted in Norway’s natural beauty, taking Sam’s visuals to the next level. 

“Brianna’s music elevates my new video in so many ways,” he says. “It creates the atmosphere that I always look for. Even standalone, the music just takes you on a journey and really helps elevate my footage in a way that’s harmonious and cinematic.”

To finalize the footage, Sam used Premiere Pro color grading and DaVinci Resolve Video Editor. “When you find editing software that you can use quickly and easily, then stick with it and just become a master at that,” Sam advises. “I used Premiere for the sound design, and watched the whole thing come to life.”

Brianna hopes this video inspires people to collaborate with other artists outside of their field. “Whenever we’re in turmoil, we can always turn back to art, music, and nature,” Brianna says. “And I think the video ties that together really beautifully.”

Both Sam and Brianna are excited to work with more artists in the future and push their creative limits in new ways. “As artists, we can block ourselves from collaborating and working with other people,” Sam says. “So when I have the opportunity to meet people outside of my little niche, outside of my filmmaking world, in a completely different genre of art, it’s really, really powerful. It’s opened my eyes to a lot of different ways that I could be creating.”

The film is available to watch now on YouTube, and we hope it motivates the Artlist community to team up with an artist from a different field. “It’s great to be inspired by other artists, see different perspectives, and work together to create something better than we could have on our own,” Brianna says.

הפוסט How to Write a Classical Composition in Just One Day הופיע לראשונה ב-Artlist Blog.

When you’re just starting out, there are a handful of different things you may be up against, including limitations of time, locations, cast and crew, budget, and technical know-how, especially if you’re learning how to make a short film by yourself.

Making a short film is a perfect gateway into the film industry, providing hands-on experience in every aspect of filmmaking, but coming up with ideas for your short film isn’t always easy. To help, here are some effective methods for developing ideas for a first project.

How to brainstorm short film ideas

It’s time to brainstorm. Finding the right idea begins with identifying what excites you about the films you love. What keeps you glued to the screen? 

Making a list of keywords related to genre, situation, or mood is a great start. Techniques like “brainwriting” can take this further, especially in a group setting. In “brainwriting”, everyone writes down their ideas independently. These written ideas are then shared, allowing others to add or build on them. Everyone can contribute and you avoid groupthink, leading to more diverse and creative concepts.

Elliot Grove, the founder of Raindance Independent Film Festival, suggests one of the best ways to brainstorm short film ideas is to write little and often. Jot down or voice memo your short film ideas to remember them, revisit them, and then build these ideas later on.

Short film format ideas 

Use the fact that your project is a “short” film as an exciting limitation. This forces you to tell your story as concisely and effectively as possible. Consider the art of brevity found in commercials, like Ridley Scott’s iconic “1984” Apple Macintosh ad, which manages to fit a whole story into a minute-long sequence — now, that takes some skill!

Other short-form film formats worth exploring:  

• Movie trailers — If your story idea feels more feature-length, make it a short film by only making the trailer. Write just enough to describe a bigger movie while having fun with the “hype” presentation style. 
• Cartoons — The classic Looney Tunes shorts told charming stories with iconic characters. Animation, real or rendered, is a superb approach for short films you might want to consider.
• Video art — Often more concerned with visuals over any narrative, video is a growing force in contemporary art. 

Music videos  

Song lyrics are always telling a story. Creating a narrative music video around a song or using music in place of a narrative can be a great way of making a short statement.

In fact, acclaimed movie director David Fincher started out making pop promos for leading artists like Madonna. While using commercial music is off-limits due to copyright, there are other ways!

• Local artists — Offer to create a music video for a local unsigned singer or band. Not only is the licensing issue ok, but it could also provide on- and off-screen collaboration.
• Royalty-free music — Explore a wide range of royalty-free music on Artlist. Either make a 3-4 minute video for a composition or find inspiring music for your short film’s soundtrack.
• Tone deaf — Could you portray the message of a popular hit song without actually playing the music at all?

Use artwork to inspire your short film ideas

Using a piece of art to spark your idea is a great starting point. You might think of a piece of art as a single frame within a story and then build a short film around it.

Hollywood feature films are rich with art references. The movie ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ (2003) tells artist Johannes Vermeer’s story via his famous painting of the same name

Using a piece of art as your starting point also gives you some helpful limitations to the story — putting the ‘short’ into short film, as it were.

Edward Hopper’s Room In New York (1932) is an example of an old painting to build a story around. Think about who these people are, what they’re doing, and how they got there. The same goes for many paintings and conceptual art – there’s a whole world of untapped short stories out there.

Where to find short film ideas online

If art isn’t your thing, then there are other places to look for inspiration:  

• News headlines — John Lennon jumbled up news headlines to write Beatle’s classic “A Day In the Life,” and the same idea could help you form the plot of a short film.
• Wiki at random — Leave it to chance and click “Random article” on Wikipedia to find a starting point. We got “Bahadurpur,” a village in India, so bring on some Bollywood!
• Reddit ideas — Dive into the Writing Prompts subreddit for a treasure trove of situational sentences to build upon. Make sure to credit your sources.
• Plot generators — Use online tools that create basic story ideas based on your inputs.
• Story dice apps — Roll virtual dice to generate random plot elements across different categories.

Improvise as you go

Sometimes, your tools can guide your story. Experimenting with visual effects or editing techniques can lead to unique ideas. For example

• Specialized effects — Experiment with glitches, warping footage, or time-bending tools to craft sci-fi narratives.
• 3D compositing — Blend animation with real footage to create a seamless mix of imagination and reality.
• Green screen magic — Your short films aren’t confined to real locations. Transport your story to any setting without leaving your room. Get tips on using a green screen here. 
• Text and subtitles —- Explore silent films with captions or subtitles as the primary storytelling tool.

Silent short film ideas

The silent approach can be traced back to the Lumière brothers. Experimental surrealist shorts like Un Chien Andalou (1929), where director Luis Buñuel and artist Salvador Dali made a bizarre, unsettling film using early cinema tricks, prove that dialogue isn’t always necessary. With creative visuals and clever editing, you can tell compelling stories in minutes.

“The Blended Life” is a 2019 short student film by Nikhilesh Bansod. More conventional in style but still dialog-silent, it uses contemporary CGI and 3D compositing to blur the line between VFX and reality. Less than 2 minutes long, it’s a concise example of how a showcase of video skills can produce an engaging narrative.

Watch other short films to help inspire your ideas

Platforms like YouTube are full of inspiring short films. Watching and analyzing them can provide valuable insights and spark new ideas. Sharing your concepts with others and gathering feedback is also a vital part of the creative process.

The short film format is a playground for limitless creativity. So, grab your camera, brainstorm your ideas, and start creating.

Ready to bring your short film idea to life? Find the perfect soundtrack and elevate your storytelling with royalty-free music from Artlist. Start exploring today!

הפוסט Short film ideas for your first filmmaking project הופיע לראשונה ב-Artlist Blog.